Tennessee Flood Risk: 17,515 FEMA Claims, 34% in Flood Zones
17,515 FEMA claims · $475,172,040 in payouts · 34% ZIPs in flood zones · Updated 2026-05-31
Data: FEMA NFIP, FEMA Flood Map Service Center Last verified: 2026-05-31
Tennessee has significant flood exposure with 17,515 FEMA claims and 34% of ZIP codes in flood zones — well above the national average of roughly 13%. Homebuyers and homeowners should strongly consider flood insurance, even outside designated flood zones.
City Water Quality Map: Tennessee
Each circle represents a city. Size indicates population, color indicates water quality grade. Tap a circle for details.
Cities with Most Flood Claims in Tennessee
| # | City | FEMA Claims | Total Paid | Population | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nashville | 3,749 | $151,016,809 | 842,512 | Details → |
| 2 | Chattanooga | 1,517 | $27,962,532 | 279,166 | Details → |
| 3 | Memphis | 689 | $11,677,525 | 659,500 | Details → |
| 4 | Franklin | 585 | $16,150,406 | 185,695 | Details → |
| 5 | Knoxville | 543 | $7,344,804 | 573,653 | Details → |
| 6 | Brentwood | 464 | $14,260,128 | 31,563 | Details → |
| 7 | Hendersonville | 339 | $5,468,687 | 59,034 | Details → |
| 8 | Clarksville | 296 | $10,633,597 | 289,449 | Details → |
| 9 | Ashland City | 294 | $16,444,279 | 12,786 | Details → |
| 10 | Ripley | 280 | $4,091,041 | 17,284 | Details → |
Flood Risk Overview
34% of ZIP codes in Tennessee are located in FEMA-designated flood zones. Residents have filed 17,515 flood insurance claims through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), with total payouts of $475.2M.
The average claim payout in Tennessee is $27K. Flood damage can range from minor water intrusion to total structural loss, depending on flood depth, duration, and property characteristics.
Cities with Most Flood Claims
| Rank | City | FEMA Claims | Total Paid | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nashville | 3,749 | $151.0M | 842,512 |
| 2 | Chattanooga | 1,517 | $28.0M | 279,166 |
| 3 | Memphis | 689 | $11.7M | 659,500 |
| 4 | Franklin | 585 | $16.2M | 185,695 |
| 5 | Knoxville | 543 | $7.3M | 573,653 |
| 6 | Brentwood | 464 | $14.3M | 31,563 |
| 7 | Hendersonville | 339 | $5.5M | 59,034 |
| 8 | Clarksville | 296 | $10.6M | 289,449 |
| 9 | Ashland City | 294 | $16.4M | 12,786 |
| 10 | Ripley | 280 | $4.1M | 17,284 |
Understanding Flood Zones
FEMA classifies areas by flood risk:
| Zone | Risk Level | Insurance Required? |
|---|---|---|
| A, AE, AH, AO | High risk (Special Flood Hazard Area) | Yes, with federal mortgage |
| V, VE | High risk, coastal | Yes, with federal mortgage |
| B, X (shaded) | Moderate risk | Recommended |
| C, X (unshaded) | Low risk | Optional |
In Tennessee, 270 ZIP codes contain properties in high-risk flood zones. However, FEMA data shows over 40% of flood claims nationwide come from areas outside mapped high-risk zones.
Flood Insurance in Tennessee
Key facts about flood insurance for Tennessee homeowners:
- Standard homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage — a separate flood policy is required
- The average NFIP policy costs $700-$1,500/year depending on flood zone, elevation, and property type
- 30-day waiting period applies to new NFIP policies (except at closing)
- Private flood insurance may offer lower rates in some areas
- 17,515 claims have been filed in Tennessee with an average payout of $27K
How Flooding Affects Water Quality
Flooding poses serious risks to drinking water:
- Treatment plant overflows can allow untreated or partially treated water into distribution systems
- Stormwater runoff introduces pesticides, fertilizers, and industrial chemicals
- Sewage system backups contaminate groundwater and surface water sources
- Infrastructure damage can compromise pipes and create entry points for contaminants
After flooding events, monitor your utility's website and local news for boil water advisories.
Flood Damage Prevention
Steps to reduce flood damage to your home:
- Install a sump pump with battery backup
- Elevate utilities (furnace, water heater, electrical panel) above potential flood levels
- Apply waterproof sealant to basement walls and floors
- Maintain gutters and drains to direct water away from foundations
- Consider flood vents in foundation walls
- Check for FEMA mitigation grants — many communities participate in hazard mitigation programs
Data Sources
- Flood claims: FEMA National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)
- Flood zones: FEMA Flood Map Service Center
Updated daily.
Wondering about flood risk at your address?
Flood risk varies block by block. Enter your ZIP code to see FEMA flood zone data, claims history, and insurance requirements for your specific area.
Check Flood Insurance Requirements →Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tennessee at risk of flooding?
34% of ZIP codes in Tennessee are in FEMA-designated flood zones. 17,515 flood insurance claims have been filed, with $475.2M in total payouts through FEMA NFIP.
Which city in Tennessee has the most flood claims?
Nashville leads Tennessee with 3,749 FEMA flood claims and $151.0M in payouts. Flood risk varies significantly by neighborhood and elevation.
Do I need flood insurance in Tennessee?
If your property is in a FEMA Special Flood Hazard Area and you have a federally backed mortgage, flood insurance is required. Even outside mapped flood zones, FEMA reports over 40% of claims come from areas not designated as high risk. The average NFIP policy costs $700-$1,500/year.
How does flooding affect water quality?
Flooding can contaminate drinking water by overwhelming treatment systems, introducing sewage and runoff into water supplies, and damaging infrastructure. Boil water advisories are common after major floods. Local utility alerts provide information during these events.
How many flood claims have been filed in Tennessee?
17,515 flood insurance claims have been filed across Tennessee through FEMA NFIP, with total payouts of $475.2M. The average claim payout is $27K.